From the President: December 2022
I’m sure it’s not just me, but this year seems to have flown by quicker than most. It’s hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner! This is the perfect time of the year to reflect, and to give thanks for all the blessings we have.Â
It’s been a great month for the OGA. Our Golden Girls returned to the College for their annual catch-up, and, as always, it was a splendid event. Thank you to everyone who made it such a special occasion.
We also had a great show of support in the form of casseroles for Homelessness We Care. A huge thank you to everyone that was able to contribute home-cooked meals for us to deliver to those doing it tough. It is such a humbling experience to serve others and to see the difference, albeit small, that we can make.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our members for their contributions this year. Big or small, it hasn’t gone unnoticed. So many of you give up your time to speak to current students, contribute to the magazine, blog and podcast, and volunteer in general. We appreciate every one of you.
A special thanks must also go to the wonderful Claire Hales, who is stepping down from the OGA committee at the end of this year. We are so grateful for all your hard work and will miss the enthusiasm and joy you bring to everything you do.Â
I know that 2023 will be an exciting year for the OGA, and we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at our events.
On behalf of the committee, I’d like to wish each of you and your families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Gemma Varone (2009), President
Combating The Attention Span Crisis In Our Students – Jennifer Oaten
It is no secret that attention spans have been steadily declining, especially among younger generations growing up immersed in digital technology. The average person’s attention span when using a digital device has plummeted from around two and a half minutes back in 2004 to just 47 seconds on average today – a dramatic 66% decrease over the past two decades.
With Laurissa Knowles From Valley Depths to Mountain Peaks (1993)
Laurissa Knowles (1993) has had an incredible career journey so far, from Santa Maria College Teacher to Celebrant and Councillor.
Elevating Spaces: Diana Ellis’ Signature Touch & Architecture Magic
What happens when you mix a love for art, travel, nature, and creativity with construction and building? You get the essence of Diana Ellis’ career!
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
